San Juan Bautista

(Saint John the Baptist)

📍 Address: San Juan Bautista Catholic Church, Judge Sablan St, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Guam

ABOUT SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

Dates: June 20, 2026

Location: Ordot (Chalan Pago-Ordot)

Time: 5:00 PM

Faith in the Central Valleys: The Fiesta of Ordot

Located in the central "waist" of Guam, the village of Ordot gathers every June to celebrate its patron saint, San Juan Bautista (Saint John the Baptist). Nestled precisely on the dividing line between the island's volcanic southern half and its limestone northern half, Ordot is defined by its rugged topography, small valleys, and lush green vegetation. This fiesta is a beautiful reflection of a community that transformed from a quiet agricultural haven into a tight-knit, enduring residential village.

For visitors, the Ordot fiesta provides a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic central island hospitality. Tucked away from the main tourist routes, the celebration highlights the deep historic and spiritual roots maintained by local families for generations.

THE HISTORY OF ORDOT AND SAN JUAN BAUTISTA

The name Ordot is derived from the CHamoru word otdot, which translates to "ant". Local tradition suggests the area was named because its specific type of soil is highly attractive to certain ants. Long before it was a modern residential area, Ordot was an agricultural hub; in the 1700s, Jesuit missionaries even established a large agricultural station at Tachogna, which encompassed much of present-day Ordot.

Because of its highly fertile soil, Ordot remained a popular ranching area for families who lived in the capital of Hagåtña, providing them with abundant harvests of corn, rice, taro, and yams. It wasn't until after World War II that people began building permanent, primary residences in the area. Originally considered a suburb of neighboring Sinajana, Ordot combined with Chalan Pago in 1956 to become its own distinct municipality. Today, San Juan Bautista Catholic Church stands as the spiritual anchor for these families.

FIESTA TRADITIONS: HARVEST AND HOSPITALITY

Ordot's rich history as a farming and ranching center continues to influence how the village celebrates its patron saint today.

The Scenic Procession

At 5:00 PM, the procession of the statue of San Juan Bautista begins. The faithful walk along the winding routes near Judge Sablan Street, navigating the village's unique landscape of low hills and flat residential pockets. The procession is a solemn yet deeply communal event, offering a blessing over the homes and the wetlands that once provided food for the island.

The Village "Gupot" (Party)

Following the spiritual events, the community shares in a massive feast on the church grounds.

• Tribute to the Land: Honoring Ordot's agricultural past, the fiesta table often features an abundance of island starches. You will likely find traditional dishes utilizing taro, sweet potatoes, and different types of yams (gaddo' and dago), which were historically plentiful in the region.

• Central Gathering: The "Gupot" is characterized by the warmth of central Guam families. Expect overflowing plates of barbecue, Kelaguen, and Red Rice, accompanied by live local music and a deeply welcoming atmosphere that makes every visitor feel at home.